Location-based adaptation of wireless communication device operating parameters

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a local mobile country code (MCC) for a wireless communication device, accessing a home MCC list for the wireless communication device, and determining whether the local MCC for the wireless communication device matches any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wireless communication device. In various embodiments, an operating parameter of the wireless communication device may be modified responsive to a determination that the local MCC for the wireless communication device does not match any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wireless communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 16/870,164filed May 8, 2020. All sections of the aforementioned application areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to location-based adaptation of wirelesscommunication device operating parameters.

BACKGROUND

Various aspects of features and services of a wireless communicationdevice can be affected by rules and regulations that apply in thecountry within which that device operates. From country to country, suchrules and regulations may differ, such that a device that travelsoutside of its home country may be subject to requirements that differfrom those to which it is subject while operating within its homecountry. Some device operations may potentially violate localrequirements if they are performed in the same manner in a visitedcountry as they are performed in the device's home country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a first operating environment in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a procedure in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a second operating environment in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for location-based adaptation of wireless communicationdevice operating parameters. According to techniques described herein,operating parameters of a wireless communication device can be modifiedbased on the identity of a country or other regulatory area in which thewireless communication device is located. Some embodiments can includeidentifying a mobile country code (MCC) associated with a currentposition of a wireless communication device (a “local MCC” for thewireless communication device), and determining whether that local MCCmatches a home MCC of the wireless communication device. In variousembodiments, the wireless communication device may have multiple homeMCCs, and it may be determined whether the local MCC matches any of thehome MCCs. Some embodiments can include modifying an operating parameterof the wireless communication device responsive to a determination thatthe local MCC does not match any home MCC of the wireless communicationdevice. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include an apparatuscomprising a processing system including a processor and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can includeidentifying a local MCC for a wireless communication device, accessing ahome MCC list for the wireless communication device, determining whetherthe local MCC for the wireless communication device matches any home MCCcomprised in the home MCC list for the wireless communication device,and modifying an operating parameter of the wireless communicationdevice responsive to a determination that the local MCC for the wirelesscommunication device does not match any home MCC comprised in the homeMCC list for the wireless communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a non-transitorymachine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations. The operations can include identifying alocal MCC for a wireless communication device, accessing a home MCC listfor the wireless communication device, determining whether the local MCCfor the wireless communication device matches any home MCC comprised inthe home MCC list for the wireless communication device, and modifyingan operating parameter of the wireless communication device responsiveto a determination that the local MCC for the wireless communicationdevice does not match any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list forthe wireless communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method. Themethod can include identifying a local MCC for a wireless communicationdevice, accessing a home MCC list for the wireless communication device,determining whether the local MCC for the wireless communication devicematches any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wirelesscommunication device, and modifying an operating parameter of thewireless communication device responsive to a determination that thelocal MCC for the wireless communication device does not match any homeMCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wireless communicationdevice.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part identifying a local MCC for a wireless communicationdevice, accessing a home MCC list for the wireless communication device,determining whether the local MCC for the wireless communication devicematches any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wirelesscommunication device, and modifying an operating parameter of thewireless communication device responsive to a determination that thelocal MCC for the wireless communication device does not match any homeMCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wireless communicationdevice. In particular, a communications network 125 is presented forproviding broadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 viaaccess terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobiledevices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voiceaccess 130 to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality of audio/video displaydevices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition, communication network125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio, video,graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access 110, wirelessaccess 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately,one or more of these forms of access can be combined to provide multipleaccess services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 canreceive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can beprovided voice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operatingenvironment 200 that may be representative of various embodiments. Inoperating environment 200, a wireless communication device (WCD) 201initially operates within a radio access network (RAN) 203A located in ahome country 202A of the wireless communication device 201. Variouslaws, regulations, rules, and/or requirements may apply within homecountry 202A that guide, and/or impose constraints upon, various aspectsof the operations of wireless communication device 201. For example,within home country 202A, certain portions of spectrum may be licensedfor use by cellular service providers, and other portions of spectrummay be designated as unlicensed spectrum that is available for publicuse. In such an embodiment, wireless communication device 201 mayconduct wireless communications with radio access network 203A usingportions of wireless bandwidth licensed to a cellular service provideroperating radio access network 203A, and may conduct other wirelesscommunications—such as wireless communications with a WiFi network—usingportions of unlicensed spectrum designated by regulations of homecountry 202A.

As shown in FIG. 2, wireless communication device 201 may travel out ofhome country 202A into a visited country 202B, where wirelesscommunication device 201 may operate within a radio access network 203B.Within visited country 202B, laws, regulations, rules, and/orrequirements may apply that constrain operations of wirelesscommunication devices in visited country 202B in ways in which suchoperations are not constrained within home country 202A. For example,bandwidth that constitutes unlicensed and publicly-usable spectrum inhome country 202A may be licensed spectrum in visited country 202B, suchthat wireless communication devices in visited country 202B cannot usethat bandwidth for WiFi communications in visited country 202B as theymay within home country 202A. Additionally or alternatively, constraintsthat apply to operations of wireless communication devices in homecountry 202A may not apply to operations of wireless communicationdevices in visited country 202B. For example, regulations in visitedcountry 202B may permit wireless transmissions with a transmit powergreater than a maximum transmit power defined by regulations applicablein home country 202A. The embodiments are not limited to these examples.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a procedure 300 forlocation-based adaptation of wireless communication device operatingparameters. According to procedure 300, periodic checks may be performedto determine whether a wireless communication device has traveledoutside of its home country, and operating parameter(s) of the wirelesscommunication device may be modified responsive to a determination thatthe wireless communication device has done so. According to someembodiments, procedure 300 may be implemented in operating environment200 of FIG. 2 in order to dynamically adapt operations of wirelesscommunication device 201 as appropriate in order to comply with laws,regulations, rules, and/or requirements that apply within visitedcountry 202B.

As shown in FIG. 3, procedure 300 may begin at 302, where a wirelesscommunication device may establish a wireless service connection withinits home country. For example, in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2,wireless communication device 201 may establish a wireless serviceconnection within home country 202A via radio access network 203A, whichmay represent a home PLMN of wireless communication device 201. At 304,a timer may be started. Checks may be repeatedly performed at 306 todetermine whether the timer has expired. Following detection at 306 thatthe timer has expired, flow may pass to 308, where a scan may beperformed for available PLMNs. For example, upon expiration of a timerstarted at 304, wireless communication device 201 of FIG. 2 may scan foravailable PLMNs.

At 310, it may be determined whether any available PLMNs have beenfound. Depending on the outcome of this determination, the wirelesscommunication device may identify a local MCC either at 312 or 314. Ifit is determined at 310 that at least one available PLMN has been found,flow may pass to 312, where the wireless communication device mayidentify the local MCC by obtaining it from a broadcast transmission ofan available PLMN found at 308. For example, if the scan at 308 isperformed after wireless communication device 201 has traveled tovisited country 202B in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, wirelesscommunication device 201 may identify an MCC comprised in a broadcasttransmission of radio access network 203B as the local MCC. If it isdetermined at 310 that no available PLMN has been found, flow may passto 314, where the wireless communication device may identify an MCC ofits last known PLMN as the local MCC. For example, if wirelesscommunication device 201 has moved from within radio access network 203Ato a location out of range of any PLMN in operating environment 200 ofFIG. 2, then wireless communication device 201 may identify an MCC ofradio access network 203 as the local MCC.

From either 312 or 314, flow may pass to 316, where it may be determinedwhether the local MCC matches any MCC on a home MCC list for thewireless communication device. For example, in operating environment 200of FIG. 2, it may be determined whether the local MCC of wirelesscommunication device 201 matches any MCC on a home MCC list of wirelesscommunication device 201. If it is determined at 316 that the local MCCdoes not match any MCC on the home MCC list, flow may pass to 318. At318, one or more operating parameters of the wireless communicationdevice may be modified based on the local MCC. For example, responsiveto a determination in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2 that its localMCC does not match any MCC on its home MCC list, wireless communicationdevice 201 may modify one or more of its operating parameters based onthe local MCC. Flow may then pass to 304, where a timer may once againbe started in order to count down to the next check. If it is determinedat 316 that the local MCC matches an MCC on the home MCC list, flow maypass directly to 304.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operatingenvironment 400 that may be representative of the implementation of thedisclosed techniques for location-based adaptation of wirelesscommunication device operating parameters according to variousembodiments. In operating environment 400, wireless communicationdevices 401A and 401B are located within a country 402, and are bothconfigured to perform periodic checks to determine whether they havetraveled outside of their home countries, such as according to procedure300 of FIG. 3. Wireless communication device 401A is located withinrange of a RAN node 404 of a radio access network 403 located within thecountry 402. Wireless communication device 401B is located outside rangeof radio access network 403. For the purposes of this discussion, it isassumed that radio access network 403 is the only PLMN located withincountry 402.

RAN node 404 can broadcast system information 406, which can include amobile country code/mobile network code (MCC/MNC) tuple 408. An MCC/MNCtuple consists of an MCC-MNC pair that uniquely identifies a particularmobile network in a particular country. Thus, in this example, MCC/MNCtuple 408 will consist of an MCC-MNC pair that uniquely identifies radioaccess network 403. The MCC portion of MCC/MNC tuple 408 will comprisean MCC that corresponds to country 402. The MNC portion of MCC/MNC tuple408 will comprise an MNC that identifies, in the particular country 402designated by the MCC portion, the particular radio access network 403.

Since it is located within range of RAN node 404 of radio access network403, wireless communication device 401A can receive system information406 broadcast by RAN node 404. As such, when performing a check inconjunction with procedure 300 of FIG. 3, wireless communication device401A can identify its local MCC by obtaining it from MCC/MNC tuple 408.In contrast, since it is not located within range of radio accessnetwork 403, wireless communication device 401B cannot identify itslocal MCC in this manner. Instead, wireless communication device 401Bmay identify an MCC of its last known PLMN as its local MCC. If wirelesscommunication device 401B recently traveled from within coverage ofradio access network 403 to its current position outside of thatcoverage, then its last known PLMN may be radio access network 403, andit may identify the MCC in MCC/MNC tuple 408 as its local MCC. On theother hand, if wireless communication device 401B recently traveled fromoutside of country 402 to its current position, then its last known PLMNmay be a radio access network in another country, and it may identify anMCC associated with that PLMN as its local PLMN.

According to various embodiments, wireless communication devices 401Aand/or 401B may be configured to determine whether or not they arelocated within their respective home countries by comparing their localMCCs to the MCC(s) include on their respective home MCC lists, and toselectively enable/disable device features/services accordingly. In someembodiments, for instance, wireless communication devices 401A and/or401B may be configured to selectively enable/disable device-to-device(D2D)/proximity services (“ProSe”) communication services/featuresdepending on whether they are located within their respective homecountries. In an example embodiment, wireless communication device 401Amay be configured such that it is capable of engaging in D2Dcommunications when out of coverage within its home country, via asidelink comprised of spectrum licensed—within its home country—to theoperator of its home PLMN. Within country 402, that spectrum may belicensed to a different operator. Thus, wireless communication device401A may be configured such that it refrains from D2D communications (orat least D2D communications via that spectrum) upon determining that itis located within country 402 rather than within its home country.

In some embodiments, wireless communication devices 401A and/or 401B mayfeature WiFi capabilities, and may be configured to selectively adaptaspects of their WiFi communications depending on whether they arelocated within their respective home countries. In an exampleembodiment, wireless communication device 401A may possess tetheringcapability, such that it can extend its cellular-based data connectivityto non-cellular devices via a WiFi network. WiFi channels that wirelesscommunication device 401A can use to communicate with other devices ofthe WiFi network in conjunction with tethering operations in its homecountry may be unusable within country 402. Additionally oralternatively, a different allowable transmit power level may applywithin country 402 than applies within the home country. Thus, wirelesscommunication device 401A may be configured such that it uses differentWiFi channel(s) for tethering and/or observes a different transmit powerlimit upon determining that it is located within country 402 rather thanwithin its home country. The embodiments are not limited to theseexamples.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. While for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the respective processes are shown and described as aseries of blocks in FIG. 5, it is to be understood and appreciated thatthe claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, assome blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with otherblocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not allillustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods describedherein.

As shown in FIG. 5, a local MCC for a wireless communication device maybe identified at 502. At 504, a home MCC list for the wirelesscommunication device may be accessed. At 506, it may be determinedwhether the local MCC identified at 502 matches any home MCC comprisedin the home MCC list. At 508, responsive to a determination at 506 thatthe local MCC does not match any home MCC comprised in the home MCClist, one or more operating parameters of the wireless communicationdevice may be modified.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram 600 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 100 ofFIG. 1, RAN 203A or 203B of FIG. 2, procedure 300 of FIG. 3, or RAN 403or RAN node 404 of FIG. 4. For example, virtualized communicationnetwork 600 can facilitate in whole or in part identifying a local MCCfor a wireless communication device, accessing a home MCC list for thewireless communication device, determining whether the local MCC for thewireless communication device matches any home MCC comprised in the homeMCC list for the wireless communication device, and modifying anoperating parameter of the wireless communication device responsive to adetermination that the local MCC for the wireless communication devicedoes not match any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list for thewireless communication device.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 650, a virtualized network function cloud 625 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 675. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 630, 632, 634, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 630 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 650 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 630, 632 or 634. These network elements can be included intransport layer 650.

The virtualized network function cloud 625 interfaces with the transportlayer 650 to provide the VNEs 630, 632, 634, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 625leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 630, 632 and 634can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 630, 632 and 634 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 630, 632, 634, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 675 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 625 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 630, 632, 634, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 625. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 625 and cloud computingenvironment 675 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 7 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 700 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 700 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 630, 632,634, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 700 canfacilitate in whole or in part identifying a local MCC for a wirelesscommunication device, accessing a home MCC list for the wirelesscommunication device, determining whether the local MCC for the wirelesscommunication device matches any home MCC comprised in the home MCC listfor the wireless communication device, and modifying an operatingparameter of the wireless communication device responsive to adetermination that the local MCC for the wireless communication devicedoes not match any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list for thewireless communication device.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 7, the example environment can comprise acomputer 702, the computer 702 comprising a processing unit 704, asystem memory 706 and a system bus 708. The system bus 708 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 706to the processing unit 704. The processing unit 704 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 704.

The system bus 708 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 706comprises ROM 710 and RAM 712. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 702,such as during startup. The RAM 712 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 702 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 714(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 714 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 716, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette718) and an optical disk drive 720, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 722 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 714, magnetic FDD 716 and optical disk drive 720 can beconnected to the system bus 708 by a hard disk drive interface 724, amagnetic disk drive interface 726 and an optical drive interface 728,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 724 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 702, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 712,comprising an operating system 730, one or more application programs732, other program modules 734 and program data 736. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 712. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 702 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 738 and apointing device, such as a mouse 740. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 704 through aninput device interface 742 that can be coupled to the system bus 708,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 744 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 708 via an interface, such as a video adapter 746. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 744can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 702 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 744, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 702 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 748. The remotecomputer(s) 748 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer702, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 750 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 752 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 754. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 702 can beconnected to the LAN 752 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 756. The adapter 756 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 752, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 756.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 702 can comprisea modem 758 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN754 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 754,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 758, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 708 via the input device interface 742. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 702 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 750. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 702 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an embodiment 800 of a mobile network platform810 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 630, 632, 634, etc. For example, platform 810 can facilitatein whole or in part identifying a local MCC for a wireless communicationdevice, accessing a home MCC list for the wireless communication device,determining whether the local MCC for the wireless communication devicematches any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wirelesscommunication device, and modifying an operating parameter of thewireless communication device responsive to a determination that thelocal MCC for the wireless communication device does not match any homeMCC comprised in the home MCC list for the wireless communicationdevice. In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 810 cangenerate and receive signals transmitted and received by base stationsor access points such as base station or access point 122. Generally,mobile network platform 810 can comprise components, e.g., nodes,gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitateboth packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 810 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 810 comprises CS gateway node(s) 812 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 840 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 860. CS gateway node(s) 812 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 812 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 860; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 830. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 812 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 818. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 812 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 812, PS gateway node(s) 818, and servingnode(s) 816, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 810 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 820 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 875.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 818 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 810, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 850,enterprise network(s) 870, and service network(s) 880, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 810 through PS gateway node(s) 818. It is to benoted that WANs 850 and enterprise network(s) 870 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 820, PS gateway node(s) 818 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 818 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 800, mobile network platform 810 also comprises servingnode(s) 816 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 820, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 818. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 818; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 816 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)814 in mobile network platform 810 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 810. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 818 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 816 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 814 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 810 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 812and PS gateway node(s) 818 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 850 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 810 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 814 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 810. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 830, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 814 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 800, memory 830 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 810. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 810, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 830 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 840, WAN 850, SS7network 860, or enterprise network(s) 870. In an aspect, memory 830 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 8, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 9, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 900 is shown. The communication device 900 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 900 can facilitate in whole or in part identifying alocal MCC for a wireless communication device, accessing a home MCC listfor the wireless communication device, determining whether the local MCCfor the wireless communication device matches any home MCC comprised inthe home MCC list for the wireless communication device, and modifyingan operating parameter of the wireless communication device responsiveto a determination that the local MCC for the wireless communicationdevice does not match any home MCC comprised in the home MCC list forthe wireless communication device.

The communication device 900 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 902 (herein transceiver 902), a user interface (UI) 904, apower supply 914, a location receiver 916, a motion sensor 918, anorientation sensor 920, and a controller 906 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 902 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 902 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 904 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 908 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device900. The keypad 908 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 900 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 908 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 904 can further include a display910 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 900. In anembodiment where the display 910 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 908 can be presented by way of the display 910 withnavigation features.

The display 910 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 900 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 910 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 910 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 900 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 904 can also include an audio system 912 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 912 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 912 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI904 can further include an image sensor 913 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 914 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 900 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 916 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 900 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 918can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 900 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 920 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device900 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 900 can use the transceiver 902 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 906 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 900.

Other components not shown in FIG. 9 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 900 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless communication device, comprising: aprocessing system including a processor; and a memory that storesexecutable instructions that, when executed by the processing system,facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:identifying, from a broadcast transmission of a radio access network(RAN), a local mobile country code (MCC) for the wireless communicationdevice; determining that the wireless communication device is located ina different country that is outside of coverage of a home country of thewireless communication device by comparing the local MCC to a home MCCof the wireless communication device, including identifying an MCCassociated with a current serving public land mobile network (PLMN) ofthe wireless communication device as the local MCC for the wirelesscommunication device; based on the comparison and the identifying,modifying an operating parameter of the wireless communication deviceand selecting a radio frequency band used for sidelink communicationsresponsive to the determining that the wireless communication device islocated in the different country that is outside of coverage of the homecountry; and engaging in device-to-device proximity services using theradio frequency band used for sidelink communications and the modifiedoperating parameter.
 2. The wireless communication device of claim 1,wherein the selecting the radio frequency band used for sidelinkcommunications comprises specifying the radio frequency band to be usedfor sidelink communications to be a radio frequency band that islicensed for use by an operator in the different country.
 3. Thewireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: accessing a home MCC list for the wireless communicationdevice, wherein the home MCC list comprises a list of one or more homeMCCs of the wireless communication device; and modifying the operatingparameter of the wireless communication device responsive to adetermination that the local MCC for the wireless communication devicedoes not match any home MCC in the home MCC list.
 4. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 3, wherein the modifying the operatingparameter of the wireless communication device comprises disabling afeature of the wireless communication device.
 5. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 3, wherein the modifying the operatingparameter of the wireless communication device comprises blocking usageof a service by the wireless communication device.
 6. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communicationdevice is configured to use the radio frequency band for sidelinkcommunications while located within a home public land mobile network(PLMN) of the wireless communication device.
 7. A non-transitorymachine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations, the operations comprising: accessing a homemobile country code (MCC) list for a wireless communication device,wherein the home MCC list comprises a list of one or more home MCCs ofthe wireless communication device; responsive to a determination that noMCC in the home MCC list matches an MCC associated with a currentposition of the wireless communication device and that the wirelesscommunication device is located in a different country that is outsideof coverage of a home country of the wireless communication device,modifying an operating parameter of the wireless communication device;and engaging in device-to-device proximity services using the operatingparameter having been modified, the modifying the operating parameter ofthe wireless communication device causing the wireless communicationdevice to refrain from communicating over a radio frequency band usedfor sidelink communications that is licensed within the home country toan operator of a home public land mobile network (PLMN) of the wirelesscommunication device and conduct sidelink communications via a radiofrequency band used for sidelink communications that is licensed outsidethe home country to an operator different than the operator of the homePLMN of the wireless communication device.
 8. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the operations furthercomprise: identifying an MCC associated with a current serving PLMN ofthe wireless communication device as the MCC associated with the currentposition of the wireless communication device.
 9. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the modifying the operatingparameter of the wireless communication device comprises disabling afeature of the wireless communication device.
 10. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the modifying the operatingparameter of the wireless communication device comprises blocking usageof a service by the wireless communication device.
 11. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the wirelesscommunication device is configured to use the radio frequency band forsidelink communications while located within the home PLMN of thewireless communication device.
 12. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 7, wherein the operations further comprise: identifyingthe MCC associated with the current position of the wirelesscommunication device based on a broadcast transmission associated with aradio access network (RAN).
 13. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 7, wherein the operations further comprise: identifyingthe MCC associated with the current position of the wirelesscommunication device without connecting to a radio access network (RAN).14. A method, comprising: accessing, by a processing system comprising aprocessor, a home mobile country code (MCC) list for a wirelesscommunication device, wherein the home MCC list comprises a list of oneor more home MCCs of the wireless communication device; responsive to adetermination, by the processing system, that no MCC of the home MCClist matches an MCC associated with a current position of the wirelesscommunication device and that the wireless communication device islocated in a different country that is outside of coverage of a homecountry of the wireless communication device, including identifying, bythe processing system, an MCC associated with a current serving publicland mobile network (PLMN) of the wireless communication device as theMCC associated with the current position of the wireless communicationdevice, modifying, by the processing system, an operating parameter ofthe wireless communication device; and based on the determination,engaging, by the processing system, in device-to-device proximityservices using the operating parameter having been modified, themodifying the operating parameter of the wireless communication devicecausing the wireless communication device to conduct sidelinkcommunications via a radio frequency band used for sidelinkcommunications and the modified operating parameter.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the modifying of the operating parameter causes thewireless communication device to refrain from communicating over asecond radio frequency band used for sidelink communications that islicensed within the home country to an operator of a home public landmobile network (PLMN) of the wireless communication device.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the radio frequency band is licensed outsideof the home country to an operator that is different from an operator ofa home public land mobile network (PLMN) of the wireless communicationdevice.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the modifying the operatingparameter of the wireless communication device comprises blocking usageof a service by the wireless communication device.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to usethe radio frequency band for sidelink communications while locatedwithin a home public land mobile network (PLMN) of the wirelesscommunication device, wherein the method further comprises: causing, bythe processing system, the wireless communication device to conductsidelink communications via unlicensed spectrum.